The big night is almost upon us, and is being talked about as a potential fight of the decade. Two heavy handed, skilful, top fighters actually meeting in the ring at around the time (it has been mooted for about two years) the public demanded it. Brutal puncher Gennady Golovkin puts his unbeaten record and collection of belts on the line against Saul Alvarez, the Mexican wonderkid who's now a fully fledged middleweight (and then some!).

We asked Hellraiser fighters, writers and friends how they saw this pick em panning out, and with one expception they all commited to a winner. But who would get the most votes? We've got former champions, current champions, a man who fought Alvarez, writers, commentators and coaches giving their two pence.

“I think GGG is the best middleweight in the world, and the first proper middleweight at this level Canelo has boxed. I think GGG win, but a late stoppage for Canelo wouldn’t surpise me. Either way it’s a great fight.”

“How great is this fight for boxing? A genuine, close, 50/50 fight with two future hall of famers. Even though Canelo might be the underdog slightly, GGG has a style made for him. Canelo won’t have to go looking for him, and will use his good jab, skills and combination punching to win a nonstop battle by close points decision.”

“It is seemingly a question of whether the older fighter has gone into decline, just as the younger fighter comes into their best. I am going to go bold and say Canelo Stoppage late on, with Golovkin chasing rounds.”

“I’m with Canelo on this, he’s one hard hitter combined with boxing skills and a good engine. Late stoppage or points victory.”

Verdict: Alvarez

Ty Browne, Pro Trainer, New Era Gym

“I’ve always fancied Canelo. GGG’s main attribute is his strength, and it’s going to take more than one attribute to beat as cute a fighter as Canelo. Canelo’s the better all round fighter but what a great fight!”

“Flipping heck, my opinion’s gone back and forth! I want Golovkin to win, and if this fight had been two years ago he would have done, but I’ve seen enough decline in him, and improvement in Canelo, to say a favourable points decision for him.”

Verdict: Alvarez

Robin Dupre, Hellraiser Cruiserweight Commonwealth Title Challenger

“It’s the fight of the year, although AJ vs Klitschko was good too. For me Canelo is at his peak, where as GGG is maybe a year or two past it. Mike Tyson had the same record going in against Buster Douglas as Golovkin does going into this, and to a superstitious man like myself that’s enough for me to put my money on a peak Canelo winning.”

Verdict: Alvarez

Sam Fleetwood, Pro Trainer, Bulmershe Gym

“Canelo will school GGG and win on points.”

Verdict: Alvarez

Kian “Tec” Thomas, St Pancras Boxing Club pro Welterweight

My heart says Canelo because I’m a big fan, but my head is saying can he withstand that power Golovkin carries for 12 rounds?.. Canelo’s counter punching and accuracy will get him the win. Canelo majority win!”

“I think Canelo’s a more well rounded and experienced fighter at a higher level. He’ll work the body really well and that’s going to be a decisive factor in the fight. Canelo will surprise a lot of people and will get the stoppage.”

“Canelo has made a sensible choice delaying this fight and has taken the time to develop his skill, power, strength and his defensive work! Timing is key in big fights like this and in my opinion Golovkin didn’t perform well against Kell Brook and had a hard fight against Jacobs, struggling at times. A fresher, younger fighter like Canelo will be too much for GGG, Canelo late stoppage!”

Verdict: Alvarez

Jack Hughes, Hellraiser Stalwart

“You might as well toss a coin! But if pressed I’ll go for Golovkin by late stoppage.”

“I think it's definitely a hard one to call, and both fighters have their own skill set that is better than the others in different departments, but I just have a feeling that Canelo’s, skill, movement and also power gives GGG lots of problems. I see Canelo winning by stoppage late maybe 9/10 rounds.”

“I'm finding it difficult to predict an outright winner, although as the fight nears I'm beginning to lean towards Canelo; he is younger, in his prime and his speed in throwing body to head combinations with ferocity and ability to disguise power shots whilst having a solid defence sways it for me.... Just!”

Verdict: Alvarez

Jamie Hughes, “Freelance" Middleweight

“I'm a massive GGG fan, I actually want him to win. But I think because people think Canelo was ducking GGG, that he's scared. He's not. I'd hate that the fear of losing ruined the fight, but that can't happen. Canelo’s movement in close, and riding shots is what wins it for me.”

Verdict: Alvarez

Gelasius Taaru, Hellraiser Super Featherweight

“I think Canelo to win on points or knockout in the 9th round, but it will be a great war I reckon. Canelo too sharp and too fast for GGG”

“This is, on paper, one of the fights of the decade. Forget the circus act a few weeks ago, this is for the purists. 12 months ago I would have favoured Golovkin to stop Canelo late. The way he stalks opponents down and his dynamite hands made him p4p king. However, his timing, engine and skill have seemed to deteriorate in the last year. Alvarez late KO or on points.